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AR15.COM
8/29/2014 6:04:16 PM EDT
Been shooting battered, neglected 1911's for years without having to troubleshoot.  That is, until I was given a stainless Ultra Carry.

Shooting standard hardball loads I have a FTE every few magazines.  Slide tries to load a round from the magazine, but there is a case still in the chamber as if the extractor claw slipped off the rim.  I think the chamber is clean and smooth.  I tried putting a little more aggressive angle on the extractor an it helped some, I think, but this happens too often to rely on the pistol.

Should I try a new extractor, and who sells a good one.

I've been spoiled by many old, clapped out 1911's that ran perfect w/o any diddling.

UPDATE: Following the advice I got in the replies to my post, I purchased a Wilson extractor and installed according to instructions.  I think the issue is resolved at this point, after burning through some ammo this afternoon.  The Kimber's original part had far less meat on it where it counted and looked to have been buffed and polished to the point of being useless.  I blame this on some well meaning efforts by the guy who gave me the pistol.

Anyway, some of the other suggestions made included new recoil springs, but this pistol had obviously not been fired much at all.

Again, thanks for the replies and keep up the good work.  This pistol was going to be a paperweight unless I could get it going reliably.
8/29/2014 6:20:09 PM EDT
[#1]
Kimber.
8/30/2014 1:41:11 PM EDT
[#2]
I'd start out with a Wilson Bulletproof extractor, flat bottom firing pin stop, and at least a 23-25 lb mainspring.
8/30/2014 4:44:45 PM EDT
[#3]
Wilson Buletproof extractor.  May be time to replace the recoil springs as well if it's unlocking too quickly.

I've never understood why people want to make the trigger pull heavier by installing a heavier than factory mainspring.
8/30/2014 6:23:57 PM EDT
[#4]
Get the Wilson as above, and a new recoil spring just to make double sure.  It sounds like the one you have has lost tension.  You could bend it and give it some, but it will only work for a while and then lose it again.  Just get the Wilson.
8/30/2014 6:41:40 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
Kimber.
View Quote



It's not a polite thing to say, but I agree with this post. Kimbers can be a crap-shoot with regard to reliability.
8/30/2014 6:57:45 PM EDT
[#6]
Thanks all.  I really know nothing of this pistol's history, as it was given to me by a friend who thought I needed an upgrade.  First issue I've had with any 1911, and I've owned some real basket cases. They all ran good.

I did try tweaking the extractor and it gave me a temporary improvement, like it was too soft.  I'll try the Wilson part first.
8/31/2014 1:29:53 PM EDT
[#7]
If you haven't ordered the extractor yet, get a Cylinder and Slide extractor.          



It's made from spring steel and supposed to be the best on the market.  The extractor on a 1911 is not where you want to try and save a few bucks.  





8/31/2014 3:02:53 PM EDT
[#8]
The Ultras have a frequent spring replacement schedule.  They recommend every 500 rounds for the recoil spring.
9/1/2014 12:08:52 AM EDT
[#9]
I guess I'll do that, even though the pistol seemed to be new in box when I got it,
9/9/2014 5:30:42 PM EDT
[#10]
Update in OP
9/10/2014 9:53:34 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
I'd start out with a Wilson Bulletproof extractor, flat bottom firing pin stop, and at least a 23-25 lb mainspring.
View Quote


I know the OP already solved the problem, but this should be standard on every 1911 out there.
9/10/2014 9:55:30 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:

I've never understood why people want to make the trigger pull heavier by installing a heavier than factory mainspring.
View Quote


Because if the trigger is smooth, and has good characteristics, then weight won't be an issue. I wouldn't even mind a 5.5-6# trigger if it pulled well.

The more you can delay the unlocking of the barrel, the better. (Within reason.) The mainspring is part of that.
9/10/2014 12:20:51 PM EDT
[#13]
Good to hear that you got it fixed with a new extractor.  Tweaking the old one and having it work for a little bit is common, which is why I don't recommend it.